Loads for 12 f/tr in .308

[JimC]

I just got model 12 f/tr in 308 was wondering if anyone had info on some loads to try,I've been shooting 168 hpbt in my 11vt. I've seen some people having luck with the 175s. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Jim

[Dennis]

10 twist I am sure. 168 or 175's should do the trick. I shoot 185's out of my 10 twist.

Are you reloading? I am sure you would get some recipes that would work.

Dennis

[JimC]

1 in 12 twist

[pitsnipe]

Personally I would use no bigger than a 168 HPBT. 150-155 would likely be best. This of course is a general rule for that slow of a .30 cal twist.
Good luck.

Snipe

[Dennis]

I shot with a 12 twist for almost a year. I used "190 grain" VLD's over Varget and it remains one of the most accurate barrels I have ever owned. I have even thought about getting another one just to try it again.

My point, that barrel should shoot, you just have to find the load for it. I won several "overalls" with this barrel.

I don't know if my load will be the one for your rifle, but PM me if you would like to know the recipe. Always start low and work up.

Dennis

[Robinhood]

Try 4064 or R15 with the 175's. do the usual .3 gr workup starting around 42 and finishing at 43.5. You might be touching powder with the 4964 when you find the sweet spot. Nowt having the knowledge the DARKER has watch for pressure signs as we know them. I have had no issues with Palma brass.

[USMC-JOhnson]

I shoot 186gr amax out of my 20in 1:12 twist 700.

308 win
Brass trimmed to 2.005
43.5gr Varget
CCI #200 primer
OAL 2.800

I've been getting poor velocity but oustanding accuracy. Put 5 rounds through basically the same hole and had no problems dinging steel at 1k yards in a mild crosswind (3-6mph)

[darkker]

Any beginning load in your reloading manual is a "Good place to start", and no further from good, than anyone elses specific load.

[USMC-JOhnson]

Yup. Darkker nailed it. Every gun has its own personality.

[jerry shaw]

Agree with Darkker.
Not to get too zen about it, but the barrel will tell you what it likes.

[Robinhood]

I guess my blood sugar was high again because I don't know what my previous post was about.

[minnesotamulisha]

I have the same rifle and shot decent groups at less than 1/4 moa with Berger 185 Match VLDs and Varget. I would still shoot them but I can't find Varget to save my life. I've now switched and am shooting 155 Tipped Matchkings and IMR 4166 with decent results. .5 MOA average.

[jerry shaw]

Those are terrific results.
In general, nobody is going to lose an F/TR match because the gun shoots a half minute. Assuming you're zeroed properly, that keeps every round in the x-ring.
Competitors lose matches because (1) they don't have reliable gear and/or a shooting plan, or (2) they can't make good wind calls and timely adjustments.
Once I got the ammo for my gun into this territory, I pretty well quit worrying about group size in testing and started worrying more about reading mirage and getting smarter. That worked out fairly well for me.
Good luck.